Wormers? When? Are they necessary? First time chicken owner

[Eva2020]

I have 4 hens, around 6 months old, 3 have layed. They are on a non-medicated feed, got them from Murray McMurray hatchery and they said a non-medicated feed since they were vaccinated for cocodisis (which I think is more common in chicks). Do they need a wormer? when? any brand recommendations?
Thanks!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Do they need a wormer? when? any brand recommendations?

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Whether or not your birds will need to be treated for internal parasites or not will depend on your soil type, weather pattern, wildlife load, stock density, and even their own immune system function.

The only worm that may ever be seen by the naked eye are large round worms and tape worms. All others stay inside the intestines and only their microscopic oocysts (eggs) will pass in droppings. Since some parasite are not treated with certain meds.. my true suggestion is get a fecal float with species load and count done by a professional a couple times per year to identify YOUR parasitic load and treat what you have but don't treat what you don't have.

I have seen symptoms folks will SWEAR is worm related.. messy bumm feathers, diarrhea, yellow frothy poo, etc... My floats come back clean SO far.. and I have YET to NEED to treat a chicken for internal parasites 10+ years on of keeping chickens. Noting that EVERY situation is unique and getting them or having to treat for it does NOT mean bad keeper. A bad keeper wouldn't even be considering treatment. Of course it just means that your animals are a part of nature.

Additionally.. checking once monthly after dark with a flashlight for external parasites (lice/mites) will give you a nice clear picture on that front much different than day time inspections. Part the feathers down to the skin just below the vent and on the abdomen and look for crawlies running away.

Congrats on your layers!